Hazard studies

ABB provides a range of hazard studies or PHA studies during projects, from the early R&D phase through to early stages of operation, and can assist clients to identify the appropriate approach for a specific project. 

Inherent safety
Development chemists and engineers work to eliminate or minimise the effects from hazards to reduce the reliance on ‘add-on’ safety measures. The methodology provides a demonstration of a structured hierarchical approach, as required by some regulators and gives maximum benefit at the pre-FEED stage.

Hazard study 1
Checklist-based study at start of process development to ensure an adequate understanding of project, processes and materials to address SHE issues effectively, define what other PHA studies are needed, prompt contact with the regulatory bodies who may place restrictions on project, and so avoid any expensive delays at a later date.

Hazard Identification (HAZID) / hazard study 2
Guideword-based and consequence led study of the preliminary PFD’s, on a system by system basis to identify significant hazards. If hazards cannot be eliminated, specify safety measures are needed and carry out risk assessments to ensure risk is reduced to an acceptable level.

Hazard and Operability Analysis (HAZOP) / hazard study 3
Detailed and systematic study of process design and outline operating procedures, using guideword based deviation analysis and based on P&IDs and procedures. The study will identify hazards or operability problems and make recommendations to allow the design to be finalised.

Hazard studies 4 / 5 (PSSR)
Checklist-based studies prior to construction handover, designed to ensure plant has been installed as designed and has incorporated any features from earlier studies. Provides an opportunity to review the facilities for workplace aspects of SHE protection.#

Hazard study 6
Checklist-based study to review early operation and ensure the level of safety developed during the plant design is still appropriate.